| In 1900, a Mexican prospector named Jose Jerez, who was grubstaked by
friend Henry Lovin, of Kingman, in the amount of 16 dollars, was out searching
for his lost burros when he stumbled over a chunk of quartz that glistened
brightly in the midday sun. Upon examining the rock, Jose knew it contained
some gold. Much to his amazement it assayed out to 40 ounces to the
ton! He contacted Lovin with the good news and they both set out to
start digging.
In a few months, they had managed to dig a 15-foot deep shaft
on the rich vein. Their activity attracted the attention of a group
from Los Angeles, who eventually purchased the claim from the two miners
for $50,000. This group then sold it to another group of investors
for $275,000.
The new group immediately raised a half million dollars, incorporated
under the laws of the Arizona Territory, and hired 180 workers and the mine
was off and running.
By the end of 1907, the Gold Road Mine property had reportedly
milled $2,250,000.00 worth of yellow metal. Most of the 140,625 ounces
was produced in 1905 and 1906.
When the mine was again in full production in 1996, 97 &
98, it was running 500 tons of ore a day, producing 40,000 ounces of gold
a year. The operation employed 135 miners at its peak.
Closure came in late 1998 when the price of gold fell below
$300.00 an ounce. Production could begin again when the price rises
enough to make it feasible to start digging again. The mine contains
enough known ore to run for at least three years, and additional prospecting
indicates there may be enough to extend that to ten years.
The mine is located on historic Route 66, 2-1/2 miles east
of Oatman, Arizona. The Gold Road Mine now offers a one-hour walking
tour, which begins at mine entrance and will take you into the mine approximately
one-eighth of a mile. The experience is so informative and exciting.
If only the miners of yesteryear could be here to relate their own experiences.
Just try to imagine it! You are invited to bring along your camera or
camcorder and take as many shots as you please.
Open Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone (520) 768-1600
Gold Mine Tour 1998
Betty Grounds
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Pat Casson
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Ollie Bond
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View Photos of Gold Road Mine
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